April 3, 2026 —The Kendal System marketing, sales, and leadership teams gathered for a very special surprise. We came together to celebrate Terry Kovach, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Kendal at Oberlin, as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement after over 30 years of dedicated service. Terry has been a guiding light for Kendal at Oberlin and a mentor to many across the System, embodying Kendal’s shared values and leaving an indelible mark.
Her departure marks the end of an era, but her legacy of mentorship, innovation, and system-wide collaboration will continue to shape our work for years to come. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart she has poured into Kendal.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Warmth
Over her 30-year career at Kendal at Oberlin, Terry has been much more than a marketing director. She has been a patient teacher and a supportive friend. Terry mentored multiple generations of marketing professionals, patiently sharing her vast knowledge and fresh ideas. Longtime team members and new colleagues have all benefited from her guidance.
Terry is widely praised for her down-to-earth, approachable leadership style. She always made new colleagues feel welcome and fostered a deep sense of collaboration across the organization. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level truly reflects the Kendal spirit of community and mutual respect.
Trailblazing Digital Marketing
Terry has always been a visionary. Decades ago, she championed the development of websites for Kendal. While some initially met the idea with skepticism, her vision proved entirely correct. Today, those early digital efforts serve as a successful model for the entire Kendal System.
She successfully blended deep institutional knowledge with modern marketing technology and sales strategies. Furthermore, Terry’s commitment to inclusivity shines through her significant work on accessibility initiatives, a contribution that her colleagues proudly recognized. Terry ensured that our digital doors were open and welcoming to everyone.
Strengthening Our Shared Community
Terry’s impact extends far beyond the Kendal at Oberlin campus. She has been a key partner in system-wide initiatives, always ready to lend her expertise to strengthen our collective mission. Recently, she was instrumental in helping The Kendal Corporation (TKC) hire the new Senior Director of marketing, sales and communications leader for the Kendal System.
She also brought our teams closer together by co-planning and hosting the highly successful 2025 annual marketing gathering. While the local Kendal at Oberlin team noted the significant loss of Terry’s institutional memory, they also expressed profound confidence in the capable, strong team she has helped build.
Preparing for the Future
Even as she prepares to step away, Terry remains focused on the future of our community. Her final prediction and piece of advice for the Kendal System is to prepare for the rise of AI (artificial intelligence). She encourages us to rethink our content strategies so that our resources can be easily discovered by AI search engines. It is a fitting final lesson from a leader who has always looked ahead to ensure we continue transforming the aging experience.
Wishing Terry the Best in Her Next Chapter
As Terry begins her retirement, she has exciting plans on the horizon, starting with an Alaska cruise this spring. We hope this trip is the perfect beginning to a joyful and relaxing new chapter.
As a System, we will take her forward-thinking advice to heart as we navigate the evolving marketing landscape.
Thank you, Terry, for 30 years of inspiration, dedication, and meaningful support. You have empowered so many to write their own stories, and we cannot wait to see where your own story takes you next.